Cassey Ho's Blog, page 61

January 30, 2021

The Blogilates February 2021 Workout Calendar!

Hey guys!

Ahhhh you were on FIRE in January! Seeing your sweaty selfies with a huge smile on your face every step of the way during the #21DayTone Challenge, and then your incredible transformations after the challenge was AMAZING. I really can’t think of a better way to kick off 2021. But just because January is over, that doesn’t mean that we can’t keep that “new year” energy going, right?!

Let’s keep up the momentum. We let go of everything holding us back in 2020, and we’re not looking back!!

So, are you ready to see what you can accomplish in February?! I’ve got a little something to help you look ahead and GET EXCITED!

Your FEBRUARY WORKOUT CALENDAR! Woooohooo!

Looking for the FREE 2021 Printable Calendars?! Print out these beauties and start planning your year now!







Download JPEG







How to Use the February Workout Calendar





Check the Blogilates Youtube playlists to find all of the videos you need for this month’s calendar!!

OR you can download the BODY by Blogilates app, where you can snag the monthly calendar and all of the videos in one place :)

Here’s an overview of each day of the October Workout Calendar. You know how this works! Each day = different muscle group!

SUNDAY: Abs & Obliques
MONDAY: Total Body
TUESDAY: Butt
WEDNESDAY: Cardio
THURSDAY: Upper Body
FRIDAY: Stretch & Recovery
SATURDAY: Legs & Thighs

Do each video once (unless otherwise stated) and check off as you go! Each day will be around 45 min of exercise.

REMEMBER! You can also download the BODY By Blogilates app (on Apple or Android devices) to have the calendar and workout videos in one place…to make life a little easier :)

If you’re just getting started or want to ease into working out, my Beginner’s Calendar is a great place to start! It’s a free 4-week program to get you stronger so that you can join in on the monthlies when you are ready.

What is something you’re proud of yourself for accomplishing this year? Let me know in the comments! :)







What do you hope to accomplish this month? Let me know in the comments below!




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Published on January 30, 2021 11:10

January 29, 2021

Gluten-Free Mini Pancake Cereal Recipe

Hey guys!

Did you ever jump on the pancake cereal trend on TikTok? It’s basically a bowl full of adorable mini pancakes! Eating pancakes by the spoonful is my DREAM, so obviously I had to try these.

But then I was like WAIT. What if I made it more 90 Day Journey friendly instead with ingredients I usually cook with more often?! So I played with the recipe and came up with something realllly good. My version of the mini pancake cereal recipe is paleo, gluten-free, dairy-free and sugar-free. But still super cute and OMG so yummy.

I mean, LOOK AT THESE!




blogilates cassey ho mini cereal pancakes in a bowl with fresh fruit


Here’s My Mini Pancake Cereal Recipe!





PANCAKE INGREDIENTS

1 ½ cups almond flour1 TBSP tapioca flour1/2 teaspoon baking soda1/4 teaspoon salt2 eggs1 TBSP monk fruit sugar1/4 cup almond milk

DIRECTIONS

First, combine all of the ingredients to make the batter. Then pour the batter into a piping bag.Preheat a pan to medium low heat. Then lightly spray with some oil.Using the piping bag, dollop a small coin-sized amount of batter onto the pan. Each dollop = 1 small pancake. Cook the pancakes for 1-2 min, or until lightly golden in the center. Flip, then cook on the other side for another 1 to 2 min.Serve immediately – classic cereal style in a big bowl with your preferred milk, or topped with fresh fruit!


blogilates cassey ho mini cereal pancakes in a bowl with fresh fruit


Ahhhh isn’t this recipe so fun?!

When you make this, tag me on Instagram or let me know in the comments so I can see your bowl of mini pancake cereal! YAY! If you want more recipes like this, try my 90 Day Journey Meal Plans!




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Published on January 29, 2021 13:07

Dear Cassey: I am just too tired to work out.

Dear Cassey,

I’ve been an athlete my whole life, and during normal times I workout 6 days a week. However, the pandemic situation has really taken a toll on me, and my season was put on hold right in the middle of it. I try working out on my own like I do in the off-season, but my body is just so weak and tired. Every time I try looking for tips for how to deal with emotional exhaustion so I can get more energy to exercise, one of the top things is to exercise. As you can see, this is really circular! Do you have any other ideas?

Sincerely,

Took Out Yoga Mat; Laid Down







Hey Took Out Yoga Mat,

You’re so right! How are you supposed to work out for more energy…when you have no energy to workout?! 

I’m totally guilty of recommending exercise to feel better mentally and to boost energy. And it does work, most of the time. But you know what? Sometimes forcing exercise right away isn’t the answer. Sometimes, you really do need a break to heal your mind. 

Side note: isn’t it amazing how much our mental health impacts our physical health and vice versa?! Taking care of both sides is so important! 

For you, you’re dealing with two major things that impact you on both sides of the spectrum. On the physical side, you’re forced to work out on your own. Which wouldn’t be a huge deal, except you’re also dealing with stress from the pandemic AND the interruption of your season. You’re missing your team, your motivation, and the ability to do what you’re passionate about. No wonder you’re exhausted! 

My first piece of advice is to find some kind of outlet. If your normal workouts aren’t working for you right now, don’t force them! Experiment with something more gentle that allows you to breathe and process your thoughts. Something like: 

Walking and getting lost in a podcast or your favorite musicYoga (certain poses like hip openers can really help) MeditationJournaling

Or, any new hobby that you’ve always wanted to try but haven’t had the time! Even if it’s as simple as reading, finding something new that you enjoy could lift your spirits and light a new fire in you.

Lastly, lean on your loved ones. Your family, friends, teammates, coaches, the POP community, or anyone you trust. Support is everything through tough times! In these pandemic times, it’s important to connect safely as often as we can while we deal with being physically separated. Hopefully reaching out here helps!

Remember that you’re not alone in this right now. The weight of the pandemic is suffocating and it’s making it really difficult for a lot of us to stay positive and motivated. It’s DRAINING and EXHAUSTING. So know that your feelings are valid, and I’m with you.  

Give yourself some time to heal mentally, and move your body gently until you truly feel ready to get back into your normal workouts. It may seem like this weird time is never going to end, but I promise it will! You’ll be back out there, stronger than ever :) 







PS – If you have a burning question you want to ask me, leave a comment below! You may be featured in an upcoming Dear Cassey post!




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Published on January 29, 2021 12:59

January 26, 2021

How to Actually Lose Weight

How do you lose weight?

Before we get into it – here’s the thing: there’s nothing wrong with wanting to lose weight, especially if you’re doing it to be healthy, increase energy, and feel better. Losing weight doesn’t mean you don’t like the way you look, it might just mean you want a change. It becomes dangerous when you’re losing weight the wrong way – which can lead to body dysmorphia, messed up metabolism, and other long-term health issues. That’s why before doing anything, I always establish my WHY. When you have a strong why, then you will have a better journey. So, if you’re in this boat, let’s talk about it.

So, why does a simple question like “how to lose weight” feel so hard to find an answer to?! There’s always controversy about the BEST way to lose weight. Is counting calories the best way? Orrrr is fasting the secret? Maybe it’s keto?!

There are soooo many trendy crash diets, special teas, expensive supplements, elimination diets, workouts, etc. It’s exhausting!

Is losing weight REALLY so complicated? 

Yes and no.

You can thank diet culture for the confusion. It pushes you to go to the extreme and spend money on unnecessary (sometimes dangerous) products. It takes a serious toll on your mental health. It turns simple, healthy weight loss into something that is anything BUT healthy.

I’m here to tell you that you CAN lose weight without making yourself miserable and depriving yourself. I’m here to simplify it for you. But before I get into this too far, I want to be clear that losing weight isn’t TOTALLY black and white. That’s because things like sleep, stress, and hormones play into weight loss too, and all of us are different! So it’s definitely a good idea to consult with your doctor before making any big changes.

Ok. I’m gonna share everything I’ve learned after years of my own experience with damaging diets, obsession and basically just doing everything wrong. If you’re feeling lost in your journey, I’ve got you! If you feel like going to the extreme is necessary to reach your goals – Listen up. It’s NOT.

And if weight loss ISN’T part of your journey? TOTALLY OKAY TOO.




blogilates 90 day journey meal plan eggs veggies


“Dieting” isn’t necessary, but working on your diet IS.





Does that sound confusing? Let me explain.

Going on a diet isn’t the way to lose weight. Crash diets won’t do you any good in the long run. Starving yourself is NOT THE WAY.

But improving your diet IS.

There’s really no getting around it. You have to take a good, hard look at what you’re eating if you want to lose weight.

You have to nourish your body.

That means eating enough and making the quality of your food a priority. Starving yourself may give a satisfying result of losing a few pounds quickly, but it won’t give you long term results. Yes, being in a calorie deficit (burning more calories than you consume) is important for weight loss. BUT you still need to make sure you’re eating enough. Eating too little interferes with the way your body makes and uses energy and how it builds muscle. It makes you grumpy and it slows you down.

So before you do anything, I want you to learn how to calculate what your body needs based on your goals. A calculator like this one is a good place to start! Keep in mind this will only give you an estimate! But at least you’ll have a starting point to decide on a safe and manageable calorie deficit (300 – 500 calories per day is most often recommended).

And it’s okay if calorie counting isn’t your thing. In fact, it’s not really my thing anymore either. During my own journey, I fell in love with focusing on the QUALITY of the food I ate. I really started seeing changes when I committed to eating mostly whole foods – veggies, lean protein, and fruit. Putting my energy towards what I was eating vs. how much helped me learn to eat more intuitively and make choices based on what was best for my body. If you need some guidance in this area, you can explore my 90 Day Journey Meal Plans. I worked with Registered Dietitian Breanna Woods to develop a healthy and good-for-you meal plan for those who need it!

I have a much more in-depth post on calorie-counting here. Ultimately, you have to decide if this method works for YOU.

Lastly, DRINK YOUR WATER. 😉







Movement is key! 





We all know that exercise is the other piece to the puzzle. This is where you burn calories, build muscle and lose fat. 100% necessary to change your body composition (AKA get that flat belly, firm booty and/or tone legs, etc).

But do you have to push yourself to the limit every day to lose a few pounds? Nope. Do you have to force yourself to do workouts you don’t even enjoy? Also nope. Should you feel guilty for skipping a workout or dreading a workout? Hard nope.

It is sooooo important to find exercise that you enjoy. THAT is the movement you’re going to stick with and turn into a lifestyle. It shouldn’t feel like a job that you dread and it definitely shouldn’t make you feel stressed.

Obviously we all have days where we feel unmotivated or lazy for various reasons. And exercise can totally help lift your spirits if you push through and get it done! But it’s important to listen to your body. If you truly need rest, then that’s important too. Recovery may not SEEM productive, but it’s actually a big part of weight loss too.

So – you have to move to burn calories and lose weight, but find movement that brings you joy! 







Take it one step at a time





If someone says they want to climb Mt. Everest, do they just take off and start climbing the day they decide to do it?

No, they don’t. That would be dangerous, right?! They train for months to get stronger and build their endurance for that climb. They set small goals that build up to the big goal.

We can use this process for weight loss too. Don’t you dare wake up tomorrow saying you’re going to lose 20 pounds this month. Like climbing Everest with no prior training, this is dangerous. And guess what? Chances are pretty good you won’t meet that goal.

THINK SMALL.

Instead of “I’m going to lose 20 pounds this month,” break it down into goals like:

I’m going to meal prep lunch on work daysI’m going to exercise at least 3 days a weekI’m going to walk 10,000 steps per dayI’m going to eat a veggie with every meal

Keep it simple and achievable. Every achievement will motivate you to keep going and eventually, you’ll see the “big picture” changes.




blogilates popflex 2021 calendar planner


Know it’s going to take time





Weight loss can happen super slowly. Actually, IT SHOULD happen slowly.

Like, 1 to 2 pounds per week, MAX. Sometimes less. Losing weight too quickly leads to yo-yoing, which is suuuuuper damaging to your body. So let’s agree to take this process nice and slow, mmkay?

And guess what? It’s totally normal for your weight to fluctuate each day, or even throughout the day! So take it from someone who used to obsess over the scale and STOP WEIGHING YOURSELF EVERY DAY.

Just accept that changing your body takes time. If you have big goals, they’re not going to happen at the snap of a finger. Plateaus are normal and life happens.







Be kind to yourself, and get help if you need! 





If you’re stuck, please PLEASE get extra support from your doctor or a dietitian. They’re the pros that can guide you based on your unique circumstances.

And also remember…

THE NUMBER ON THE SCALE DOES NOT DETERMINE YOUR SUCCESS.

There is soooo much more to your health than those little numbers on a scale or measuring tape. These things don’t tell the whole story, which is why I always recommend journaling throughout the process. I promise if you do, you’ll find a lot more to celebrate than weight.

And those little things are WORTH CELEBRATING! Notice you’re eating more veggies than ever before and loving them? That’s great! Suddenly feeling less stressed because you’re moving your body every day? Sounds like a huge win to me.

So there you have it. Those are the basics for how to lose weight. Before you set off on your journey, put some thought into why you want to lose weight. Let that be your motivation along the way. And enjoy the process! Even if the numbers aren’t changing on the scale like you want, know that change is still happening in your body. Give yourself some love for making healthy changes, and keep going! YOU GOT THIS.




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Published on January 26, 2021 16:53

January 21, 2021

Two-Ingredient Banana Pancakes

Hey guys!

So I’ve shared these pancakes before but I recently realized I didn’t have a proper blog post with dreamy, mouth-watering, and scrumptious pictures for you! This is way overdue, but now it can live FOREVERRRRR!

Okay, so you know how I feel about pancakes. I love them in every form imaginable, but my absolute favorite go-to is this one. I love eating them so much and best of all, it only has TWO INGREDIENTS.

Too good to be true, right?

Nope. Not even a little bit. These banana pancakes are the breakfast of my dreams (and soon-to-be yours, too!). I don’t even want to tell you how many I ate during my 90 Day Journey. Not sorry about it though.

The eggs in this recipe pack your morning with protein and healthy fats, while the banana fuels your body with healthy carbs, fiber and other nutrients. It’s enough for busy or lazy mornings, but also the perfect “blank slate” if you want to play around with toppings. I think these make an amazing post-workout snack, too!

Okay. Let’s get to the recipe, shall we?!







Banana Pancakes Recipe





INGREDIENTS

1 ripe banana2 eggs

Optional toppings: fresh fruit, nut butter, maple syrup, flax seeds, chia seeds

DIRECTIONS

Mash the banana and egg together in a medium bowl. Your batter will be runny and will have a few chunks of banana left! Season with cinnamon, if desired.Heat a griddle or pan over medium heat. Melt 1/4 tsp butter on the pan. Drop pancakes on the hot griddle, using about 2 Tbsp of batter for each pancake. (these hold together better if they are small!)Cook for about a minute on each side. Serve warm with your favorite toppings!


2-Ingredient Banana Pancakes | Blogilatesblogilates 90 day journey stack of two ingredient banana pancakes topped with fresh berries


Ahhh who knew something with only two ingredients could be SO PRETTY?! You’re gonna love these.

When you make these, tag me on Instagram or let me know in the comments! Mmmm, can’t wait to see!




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Published on January 21, 2021 18:00

January 20, 2021

Dear Cassey: I’m tired of letting myself down.

Dear Cassey,

I felt I needed a change. I just didn’t feel good, like the best version of myself. So I started my own 90 Day Journey a couple of weeks ago. I wrote down my why and my purpose. I was so excited. But now I don’t see the changes.

I want to find that joy. I want to feel good for me. But I felt like I got tired of it. And I feel like I let myself down. I’m so disappointed in me. I missed filling out my journal lately and I don’t eat in a way that make me feel good.

How do you deal with letting yourself down?

Sincerely, 

Searching For The Best Version of Myself







Hey Searching,

Ugh. I definitely know the feeling of letting myself down. This might sound weird, but I’m actually EXCITED for you. You’re on your journey! And here’s the thing – no one’s journey is linear. I didn’t just wake up one day, start my 90 Day Journey, and march straight into my goals.

Nope. Didn’t happen like that at all.

Actually, to be honest, it took me YEARS to finally commit and find a solid plan for my journey that worked for ME. And in the end, I learned that was the little detail I was missing all along. What I was doing had to be for me. I learned that the reason I kept letting myself down was because even though I thought I was setting goals for my own benefit, deep down I was really doing it for someone else. Or because of what other people thought. When I finally dug deep and got painfully honest with myself, something just clicked. I set out to do what I needed to do FOR ME, in the best way FOR ME.

So that’s where you can start. Circle back to your “why,” get comfy, and really think it through. You said you want to feel good for you, which is awesome! You deserve to feel amazing, and you will get there! But it might help to dig a little deeper and think about all of the things that aren’t making you feel your best right now. This is where journaling is super helpful. Just let your thoughts and feelings flow – you might be surprised what you learn about yourself!

Next, you have to commit to keeping promises to yourself. MAKE IT A PRIORITY. You are your own best friend, so treat yourself like you would your bestie! That means sticking to things you know will help you grow, but also giving yourself grace when you get off track. Like I said, the journey you’re on isn’t linear. It’s totally normal to get off track, learn from it, and jump back on when you’re making big life changes!

Finally, remember that although this is your journey, that doesn’t mean you have to do it alone. There is no shame in seeking support (psst…like you’re doing right now! I’m so happy you reached out!), so lean on people you love or the POP community. You might be surprised to find how many of us are struggling with the exact same things! Coming together for encouragement, advice or just to vent is super helpful.

I hope this inspires you to keep going! The hardest part of your journey is already over – STARTING! I’m so proud of you for doing this for yourself and I know you’re going to make some big changes. Just remember that change takes time and consistency. Take it one step at a time, and acknowledge every single accomplishment, no matter how small!







PS – If you have a burning question you want to ask me, leave a comment below! You may be featured in an upcoming Dear Cassey post!




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Published on January 20, 2021 15:29

January 18, 2021

Wanna Be a 2021 POPFLEX POWERGIRL?!

YAAAAAYYY it’s that time again! We’re looking for this year’s POPFLEX POWERGIRLS!

I get sooo excited to meet the girls who will represent POPFLEX every year. This will be our THIRD round of POWERGIRLS, and it just keeps getting better and better!

I’ve been counting down the days, and submissions are finally OPEN!! I reallllllly hope you apply. Read on for more info!







Wait, what’s a POWERGIRL?





POWERGIRLS are ambassadors and role models for POPFLEX, my activewear brand. This special group is made up of girls who have overcome obstacles and challenges in life, coming out stronger on the other side. You could say that every POWERGIRL has her own unique superpower 😉. POWERGIRLS are strong, resilient, and they radiate positivity and inspiration to everyone they come in contact with. If you’re chosen to be a POWERGIRL, you’ll represent the POPFLEX vibe and the vision I had when it came to life.







What are the perks of being a POWERGIRL?





Glad you asked because there are SO MANY!

If you’re chosen as a POWERGIRL, you’ll need to make a little room in your closet. Why? Because brand new POPFLEX gear will be coming your way! Sports bras, leggings, yoga mats, fit planners – ALL OF IT. This group is so special to me, and that means POWERGIRLS get everything. And this year we have more products than ever to share. You’ll even have exclusive, early access to new items.

YUP.

You’ll get everything you need to stay motivated all year long. After taking some pics showing off your new gear, we’re gonna feature you rocking your outfits on the POPFLEX Instagram and website!

Oh, and while we’re at it we’re going to help YOU grow your own personal brand on social media. This is a huge dream of mine that I’m so excited to bring to life! I wouldn’t be where I am without YOU, and now it’s your time to shine.

Once you’re a POWERGIRL, you remain part of the POPFLEX fam FOR LIFE. You’ll make friends around the world for life, too! I can’t say enough about the community we’ve created through our POWERGIRLS. It’s truly the experience of a lifetime!




popflex powergirls photoshoot at big bear lake retreat


Okay. So you’re in, right?! Here’s how you apply. 





Read carefully! This is the important stuff 😉







Here is the written version of the images above, with links and all!

HOW TO APPLY: STEP 1

Post a photo that shows us the type of content that you’d be posting if you were selected as a POPFLEX POWERGIRL. Pay attention to the details: Quality, scenery, clothing, poses – take a photo to wow us!In the caption, answer this: Tell us all about the evolution of YOU this past year. Where did you start, where are you now, and why did you change?Tag @popflex_active & @blogilatesUse the hashtag #iamapowergirl2021

HOW TO APPLY: STEP 2

Go to bit.ly/powergirlappFill out your applicationLink to your Instagram post

RULES & GUIDELINES

You must complete BOTH Step 1 & 2 in order to be considered.Your Instagram profile MUST be public.You must be 18 years or older.Applications close on February 17th at 11:59pm PST.

*Full terms & conditions here!







Remember, applications close on February 17th at 11:59pm PST. I don’t want you to miss this amazing opportunity!! 

I can’t wait to see your POWERGIRL submission! Last year was tough in a lot of ways, but it was a year of growth and EVOLUTION. I want to hear your story! 




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Published on January 18, 2021 12:27

January 15, 2021

Super Hash Browns Recipe

Hey guys!

You’ve probably noticed on Instagram that I’ve been having wayyyy too much fun in the kitchen over the past year. I’ve always loved to cook and experiment with recipes, but I’ve really taken things to another level with the extra time I’ve spent at home, thanks to COVID. I think I’m most excited to share my faves with you!

Putting together new recipes is fun, but sometimes it’s fun to tweak old favorites too. I love to circle back to recipes that used to be staples and give them new life.

Like my Super Hash Browns.

This is a tried and true Blogilates recipe that I created years ago. It’s truly one of my favorites! It’s a healthy, low carb hash brown made with cauliflower rice that is crisped to perfection. Top it with creamy avocado, tomato and a drippy over easy egg and OMG. You won’t believe how good it is until you try it for yourself. I’ve tweaked this recipe to perfection, and even included it in my 90 Day Meal Plan. I could probably eat these every day.

Wanna try?! I think you do.




blogilates 90 day journey super hashbrowns with avocado egg and tomato


Super Hash Browns Recipe





INGREDIENTS

1 cup riced cauliflower4 eggs, divided1/3 ripe avocado1 tsp lemon juice1 Tbsp freshly diced tomatoes (optional)Chili flakes (optional)Salt and pepper to tasteOlive oil or coconut oil

DIRECTIONS

1. Heat up your pan or wok and put about 1 tsp of olive oil in the pan as it heats up on high. Then pour in the riced cauli and stir around for a few minutes until slightly golden. You don’t want to do this for too long because the cauli will eventually go back on the pan again and have another chance to cook through.

2. Then crack 1 egg in a big bowl. Pour the sauteed cauli in the bowl and mix thoroughly. Add in about 1/4 tsp of salt and 1/4 tsp of pepper. You can adjust accordingly.

3. In a medium heat pan, add some oil and let heat. Then take heaping TBSPs of the hash brown batter and spread in an even circle on the pan. Let the bottom of the hash brown solidify before flipping. This should take a few minutes. Once you flip, it will look like a hashbrown (or a latke)!

4. Now make your Avocado Mash. It’s avocados mashed with a fork with 1 tsp lemon juice and some salt and pepper to taste.

5. Now it’s layering time! Put the Avo mash on the hash brown, cook 2 eggs sunny side up and top with some chili flakes and tomatoes if you desire!




blogilates 90 day journey super hashbrowns with avocado egg and tomato


YUM.

If you make Super Hash Browns, you HAVEEEEEE to share with me! I need to see how it turned out!

Tag me on Instagram or let me know in the comments! Mmmm, can’t wait to see!




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Published on January 15, 2021 09:00

January 13, 2021

Dear Cassey: I can’t make big decisions without feeling so stressed.

Hi Cassey!

I truly love your work everywhere: on the blog, on YouTube and so on. I have a burning question though! What steps do you follow when it comes to big decisions? For example, being in the last year of high school and juggling between passions vs. obligations. I know it’s all about prioritizing, but I’d love your advice!

Sincerely,

Decision Paralysis




fork in road making big decisions life path


Hey Decision Paralysis,

I’ve been through this more times than I can even count! I wish I could tell you that making big decisions gets less stressful the more you do it, but I’d be lying. Don’t worry though! That “stress” is actually a GOOD thing. It means you’re anxious for change to happen. It means that big things are coming your way! Learning to handle decisions and change is important for taking care of yourself.

So that’s my first piece of advice. Try not to view your “big” decisions as negative, stressful events. Don’t fear the changes that come with whatever you decide. Look at each decision as an opportunity to grow.

One thing that will help your decision-making process feel more positive is learning to trust yourself. Yes. You deserve to trust yourself. Don’t be afraid to go with your gut, or to take a leap that could change your life for the better. In your example, is there a way to fulfill your passions without completely ignoring your obligations? I don’t know your specific situation, but let’s say you’re passionate about travel, but you need to work and also pay your way through college. How can you make a decision that allows you to trust your gut (which says travel while you can!), but also your responsibilities (school/job)? Could you travel for a year while working remotely or writing a travel blog? Could you get started with school and study abroad for a semester or two? Maybe apply for schools in a new city that you want to experience.

The point is, there is almost always a way to make both work if you’re willing to compromise and get a little creative. It’s not realistic to think you can run wild with your passions and ignore everything else, but you’re not restricted to your obligations either! Be willing to fail and go back to the drawing board. And again, trust your gut.

Here are some other things I do when I have a big decision on my shoulders:

Journal – I always need somewhere to dump my thoughts! Writing is a huge outlet for me, and I can go back and read my thoughts to sort things out.Clear my mind – Thinking too much just makes me feel more confused than when I started. If I start feeling this way with a decision, I take a break and clear my mind with a workout, a walk outside or some other activity I enjoy (cooking, game night with friends, etc.)Weigh my options – This goes with journaling, but sometimes it helps to physically write down the pros and cons of a difficult decision.Talk it out with someone I trust – Sometimes you just gotta VENT. Saying things out loud can be a real game changer when I’m trying to sort my thoughts. Your bestie, sister, parent, or whoever you trust to talk to might even have input you wouldn’t have thought of yourself. If you just want them to listen, that’s ok too!

Hopefully, this gives you a little guidance for whatever you’re going through! You’ve got this!







PS – If you have a burning question you want to ask me, I’m taking questions via text at 510-692-4556. Currently this only works for US and Canada. If you’re outside of those countries, you can leave a question below.




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Published on January 13, 2021 10:31

January 12, 2021

Get Wild With My New Safari Collection!

Hey guys!

Get excited – a new collection has ARRIVED!!!! Last year was a tough year being quarantined for so long… and to be honest, definitely feels like we’re still in it!

But if I were to look on the bright side of 2020, it gave me the opportunity to be with myself. Gone were all the typical obligations (and distractions) that used to pull me away. Instead, I found more time to meditate, focus, and plan. That’s why I’m soooo excited about all the fun things I have dreamed up for you for 2021. Granted, it hasn’t been the best start to the year in a wordly sense, but my goal is to find pockets of joy in between it all.

Today, I hope that my latest Safari Collection from POPFLEX brings you that pocket of joy that you’ve been looking for!

This collection was inspired when I was itching to travel again. I wanted to hop on a flight, emerge across the waters, and immerse myself in new lands and cultures. Unfortunately, that wasn’t possible. So I took the vibes from one of my bucket list places – hellloooooo wild and vast Safari landscapes – and weaved them into this WILD new collection!

Soooooo, can you guess which direction I went with this?!! Yup, I dove straight into some fun cheetah print, but in the most FUN way! It’s edgy, it’s feminine, and knows exactly what it stands for. I purposefully made it subtle so that the print wouldn’t take away from the main attraction – you! Check out this fun lookbook and then snag these new pieces from POPFLEX before they sell outtttttt!







Alright, let’s adventure into the Safari! First up:Mauve Cheetah! It comes in the Tone Bra and the matching Go High Waist Biker Short.

The tone bra’s staple cut is back in an edgy new print and I am HERE FOR ITTTTTTT. It has a flattering square neck front and a low square neck back! And the biker short is perfect for any workout you have planned. This set is sooooooo much fun!







Next up in our matching set, say helllooooooo to Golden Cheetah! You’ll be fast and furious in this look, featuring the Power Crop Top and Tone Cross Front Legging!

The Power Crop Top has similar vibes to the Tone bra buuuut it has an extended length so that you can wear it on its own. The Tone Cross Front Legging, seriously one of my faves. It has a cross front band that accentuates your natural hourglass shape, a handy secret back pocket, and V shape cut on your backside to give your booty an extra lift! THIS LOOK IS LIFEEEEEEEEE.







Say helllooooo to the Flow Drape Back top! It’s so airy, light, and suuuupeerrrrr soft. It’s my favorite thing to throw on after a workout so that I can go back to athleisure-ing!







Okay. Get ready. THE FLEXY RIB CROP TOP is gonna be your new fave staple!!!! It’s simple, flattering, and goes with literally any outfit. I loved this one so much I had to release it in 3 colors straight off the bat. Hahahaha which color do you like best?!!!







And last but DEF not least. The Cargo Drawstring Legging! This pant is soooo much fun! It moves with you in our StretchSilk fabric, meaning it’s got that 4-way stretch and it’s cooling when you wear it. It has convenient side pockets and you can guarantee these will stay where they need to be with the drawstring closure. I love this one sooooo much!







Aaaaaand of course, gotta take those group pics!







AHHH and that’s the Safari Collection!!!!! Which one are you gonna get?!!!!




Shop The Safari Collection

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Published on January 12, 2021 10:00

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